Quick Answer
If your furnace pilot light won’t stay lit, start by turning the gas control knob to “Off” and wait five minutes before relighting. If it goes out again, you may have a dirty thermocouple, a weak gas signal, or a draft near the burner. In Colliers’ rural homes, older gas lines and basement airflow often cause these interruptions.
Why This Matters for Colliers Homes
Colliers is known for its rolling hills and scattered rural homes stretching along Eldersville Road, Penco Road, and Cross Creek Road. Many of these houses were converted from propane to natural gas decades ago, leaving older ignition components still in use today. Shifting hillside winds and wide temperature swings between day and night often cause air movement through flue pipes, blowing out pilot flames in basement furnaces.
Common Causes of Pilot Light Failure
In Colliers homes, pilot issues often stem from aging equipment and fluctuating pressure. Dust or rust buildup in the pilot tube can restrict gas flow, while a worn thermocouple may fail to sense the flame and shut off gas prematurely. Propane-to-gas conversions sometimes leave behind undersized piping or outdated regulators that affect ignition consistency. If the pilot flame burns yellow or sputters, it’s a sign the system needs cleaning or a part replacement.
- Dust or rust buildup restricting gas flow in the pilot tube
- Worn thermocouple cutting gas prematurely
- Undersized piping or outdated regulators from propane conversions
- Yellow or sputtering flame indicating weak combustion
- Drafts or airflow fluctuations from hillside winds
Repairs and Preventive Steps
Most pilot repairs in Colliers cost between $125 and $250, depending on the furnace age and setup. Honest Fix technicians check for carbon monoxide safety, vent sealing, and gas line performance on every visit. Homeowners can reduce repeat outages by sealing basement openings, replacing older regulators, and scheduling a fall tune-up before cold weather sets in. For rural systems, regular maintenance ensures safety and steady performance throughout winter.
- Seal basement openings to minimize drafts
- Replace aging gas regulators and fittings
- Schedule annual fall furnace tune-ups
- Have gas pressure and CO levels checked regularly
FAQs
Why does my pilot go out more often in windy weather?
Colliers’ hillside gusts can push air down the flue and extinguish the flame. Installing a vent cap helps prevent this.
Does propane conversion affect my furnace pilot?
Yes. Older conversion fittings can restrict gas flow, making the flame unstable until parts are upgraded.
Can humidity cause pilot problems in rural basements?
It can. Damp air leads to corrosion, which weakens ignition performance over time.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent's full bio at "honestfix.com/about/alex-largent" to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC/Plumbing Industry. Updated October 2025
